Learning and extinction of conditioned hearing sensation change in the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas)

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Web End = J Comp Physiol A (2016) 202:105113 DOI 10.1007/s00359-015-1056-x

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Web End = Learning and extinction of conditioned hearing sensation change in the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas)

Paul E. Nachtigall1 Alexander Ya Supin2 JoseAntonio Estaban3 Aude F. Pacini1

Abstract Ice-dwelling beluga whales are increasingly being exposed to anthropogenic loud sounds. Belugas hearing sensitivity measured during a warning sound just preceding a loud sound was tested using pip-train stimuli and auditory evoked potential recording. When the test/ warning stimulus with a frequency of 32 or 45 kHz preceded the loud sound with a frequency of 32 kHz and a sound pressure level of 153 dB re 1 Pa, 2 s, hearing thresholds before the loud sound increased relative to the baseline. The threshold increased up to 15 dB for the test frequency of 45 kHz and up to 13 dB for the test frequency of 32 kHz. These threshold increases were observed during two sessions of 36 trials each. Extinction tests revealed no change during three experimental sessions followed by a jump-like return to baseline thresholds. The low exposure level producing the hearing-dampening effect (156 dB re 1 Pa2s in each trial), and the manner of extinction, may be considered as evidence that the observed hearing threshold increases were a demonstration of conditioned dampening of hearing when the whale anticipated the quick appearance of a loud sound in the same way demonstrated in the false killer whale and bottlenose dolphin.

Received: 5 June 2015 / Revised: 10 November 2015 / Accepted: 12 November 2015 / Published online: 10 December 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015

Keywords Beluga Sensation control Hearing

Conditioning AEP

Abbreviations

AEP Auditory evoked potential RFR Rate following response SPL

Sound pressure level SEL Sound exposure level TTS Temporary threshold shift

Introduction

Particular interest has recently focused on the impact of human interactions with polar species. Huntington (2009) listed six major anthropogenic activities that can have a detrimental impact on polar marine mammals: traditional and commercial sheries, climate change, contaminants, oil and gas activities, hunting and shipping. The beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas)...